EU approves further €6.1 billion for Ukraine defence on Independence Day

The European Commission approved €6.1 billion in new defence procurement funding for Ukraine on 24 August 2026, Ukraine’s Independence Day. The money is earmarked for air and missile defence systems, missiles, ammunition and radars.

Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said Europe stands with Ukraine and will deliver what it needs when it needs it. She noted that Russia is intensifying attacks and that the new package helps Ukraine protect its people and defend its skies.

The funding forms part of the €90 billion Ukraine Support Loan for 2026-2027. Of that total, €30 billion is for budgetary aid and €60 billion for defence. Today’s approval adds to €16 billion in already approved procurement plans, of which €8.35 billion has already been disbursed.

Most of the contracts will be placed with European defence companies. Ukraine can request payments by submitting signed contracts. The Commission said the timing is urgent: Russia recorded 376 missile strikes in July alone.

European leaders gathered in Kyiv for the 35th anniversary of Ukraine’s declaration of independence from the Soviet Union. British Prime Minister Andy Burnham, European Council President António Costa and several other heads of state or government were present. A video conference of the Coalition of the Willing was also planned.

The package is the latest in a series of European financial commitments that have grown in scale as the war has continued into its fifth year. It focuses specifically on the air-defence shortfall that has left Ukrainian cities vulnerable to ballistic missiles and drones.